I am good at singing. In Elementary School I was an Alto.
2.) How do you feel when you're doing the thing you're good at?
When I am singing I feel so happy and free. It's like I am liberated from a prison of obligations and duties.
3.) How would you feel if people wouldn't let you do the thing you're good at?
I would go crazy if I was restricted from singing because when I sing I feel free.
Boy of the Painted Cave
Tuesday, October 3, 2006
Chapter 1
1.) What problems or conflicts are presented in chapter 1?
Tao's clan is starving to death. They just had a famine.
Tao's desire to draw/paint is growing, but he knows that in his society they would shun him because they consider it a taboo.
2.) Predict the resolution of each conflict.
Well, if you started hunting earlier in the day, with more people, they would probably be able to find more animals and meat.
You probably could not because you cannot crush someones most inner desire.
Chapter 2
1.) What two important events happen this chapter?
Well, Tao goes into the forsaken forest searching for food.
While in the forest, he finds a creature that in chapter 3 you will find out what it is.
Thursday, October 5, 2006
Chapter 3
1.) What do Tao and Ram learn to do together?
Tao and Ram learn to hunt and to work together.
2.) What decision does Tao tell Volt?
Tao tells Volt that he want to hunt alone because he does not want to tell them about Ram because he knows if they knew they would kill him.
3.) I am so frustrated. Tao has disrespected me, Volt. He is a dreamer and will not listen to the elders. Tao is the most foolish and selfish one of the clan. He will not listen to us when we work on hunting. Sometimes I wish I could go back in time when he was an infant and stop Vedra from saving that desgrace.
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Chapter 8
1.) What situation did you imagine?
Well, this story/situation is true. My sister, Patty, wants to become a lawyer and study politics. the problem is that ALL of our uncles and cousins in Peru are doctors ans dentists that study medicine. She really wants to be a lawyer, but my relatives would hate that. She desires to study law and politics. It has been her dream since as long as I can remember.
2.) I believe if I were in that situation I would break the tradition and just study law as a profession.
Monday, October 16, 2006
Chapter 9
1.)Why do you think Graybeard changed his mind?
Graybeard changed his mind so that Tao could, atleast, have a chance to become a Chosen One and do what he desires, draw images.
2.)What does this tell you about his character?
It teaches us that Graybeard is a caring person that is considerate of others feelings and emotions.
Monday, October 16, 2006
Chapter 11
1.)Do you think Graybeard is a good teacher? Why? Would you like to have been taught a skill by him? Why?
I believe Graybeard is a good teacher because it looks like he really cares about the student and what he's learning. I would have loved to been taught by Graybeard because he looks tough, but in the inside he's really nice.
The Giver
Chapter 1:
Quote:
NEEDLESS TO SAY, HE WILL BE RELEASED, the voice had said followed by silence.
-Page 4
Explanation:
I picked this sentence from all of Chapter 1 because I thought it was very unusual. ‘HE WILL BE RELEASED’ sounded odd. As the story goes on to tell, the pilot made a mistake and was going to be ‘RELEASED’. This part brought up questions: What did it mean to be ‘RELEASED’? What happened if you were? How did it happen? I believe this part is very significant in the story
Chapter 2:
Quote:
The Ceremony of Twelve was the last of the Ceremonies. The most important.
-Page 15
Explanation:
I picked these sentences out of all of Chapter 2 because it seemed important. It
brought up questions: Why was it the most important? Why should only Twelves have this ceremony? Why was Jonas so apprehensive? This part seems as though it might be the climax of the novel.
Chapter 3:
Quote:
… With his laughter tried to ignore his uneasy conviction that something had happened…
-Page 25
Explanation:
I picked this quote because it caught my attention for 2 distinct reasons. 1: If
something strange happens, like what happened to Jonas, you should be able to tell someone, but I guess in this utopia you can’t. 2: If only Jonas perceived the change in the apple, that must mean that he can see what the ‘normal’ person can’t. This quote is very peculiar. To me, it brought up questions: What does this mean? Is Jonas special or ‘different’? Is this bad?
Chapter 4:
Quote:
Once, long ago, it was whispered among the children, an Eleven had arrived at the Ceremony of Twelve only to hear a public announcement that he had not completed the required number of volunteer hours and would not, therefore, be given an assignment. -Page 28
Explanation:
This quote, at least to me, seems as though it needs serious consideration. It
looks as if when you are an Eleven, preparing to be a Twelve, you have to complete a required number of volunteer hours to get an assignment. In my opinion, it sounds harsh, but at the same time good for the kids. It’s harsh because they are only 11. But it is good for them because that way they are doing something productive. That was my opinion on that quote.
Chapter 5:
Quote:
ATTENTION. A REMINDER THAT STIRRINGS MUST BE REPORTED IN ORDER FOR TREATMENT TO TAKE PLACE.
-Page 36
Explanation:
This quote is very bizarre. In the book, it explains that stirrings are feelings you
have for the opposite sex, but it’s natural for a kid/ teenager going through puberty. What was weird was that in order for treatment to take place, they would have to take pills. Really, what type of freaks would try to mess with human nature and its process? Seriously. That’s what I thought about this quote.
Chapter 6:
Quote:
“… Here today and gone tomorrow. Never seen again. Not even a Ceremony of Release…”, “… How could someone not fit in? The community was so meticulously ordered, the choices so carefully made…”
-Page 47
Explanation:
“... Here today and gone tomorrow…” This quote really appealed to me.
Obviously, it was talking about Release. But, if someone was ‘here today and gone tomorrow’, how did it take place? Also, it shows that even if everything is in Sameness, things can still go wrong.
Chapter 7:
Quote:
He remembered the cheerful voice call out, “I want my smack!”
-Page 52
Explanation:
Wow! This quote. Seriously, if in this utopia they pay such close attention of
one’s grammar, you’d think they’d be able to tell if a child could see beyond the normal? Also, if a little kid makes a grammar mistake, we would just correct them, but they make it so that the child actually stays traumatized for making a mistake. This utopia has weird ways of teaching English/ Grammar.
Chapter 8:
Quote:
In a firm, commanding voice she announced, “Jonas has been selected to be our next Receiver of Memory.”
-Page 57
Explanation:
I liked this quote a lot. It was very exciting and exhilarating. Jonas, if he was real,
should have been very scared, but at the same time happy. Scared because in their community the highest rank a person can be is the Receiver of Memory, so there must be a lot of obligations and duties. Happy because he was doubting what he should have been and now he knew that he was the new Receiver.
Chapter 9:
Quote:
7. You are not permitted to apply for release.
8. You may lie.
-Page 65
Explanation:
These rules were extremely strange. ‘7. You are not permitted to apply for
release’ is very weird because it implies that in some occasions the obligations or pain maybe awfully excruciating. ‘8. You my lie’ is most peculiar of all because they are giving Jonas the authority and power to lie. To me, out of all the unusual rules, these 2 were the most uncanny of all.
Chapter 10:
Quote:
“I am going to transmit the memory…”
-Page 76
Explanation:
This part in the chapter is especially cool and interesting! It’s cool to think that by
just touching someone’s back, the former Receiver can transmit a memory to Jonas. It’s awesome! If this was true, if you could give reminiscence to anyone, this would be particularly remarkable! Jonas must have felt ecstatic!
Chapter 11:
Quote:
“It hurts a lot,” Jonas said, “but I’m glad you gave it to me. It was interesting. And now I understand better, what it meant, that there would be pain.”
-Page 83
Explanation
This quote caught my attention. When Jonas said this he had barely received his
1st sunburn. This quote must have really frustrated the Giver because, since he has all these memories of pain and suffering, by Jonas saying the sunburn hurt, he must have felt that way. It makes you think, if Jonas thought a sunburn was the painful thing the announcer meant when she said there would be great suffering, the Elders must have banished any form of grief and sorrow. In a way, this must have been good for the community, but if there was no pain, you wouldn’t know what choices and the good, but oh-so-painful love and friendships were.
Chapter 12:
Quote:
“You’re beginning to see the color red…Once back in the time of the memories, everything had shape and size, the way things still do, but they also had a quality
called color”
-Page 89 and 90
Explanation:
This quote really hit me. They could not see color. I mean without color they
could not see the beautiful shades of pink in a Peony or the light tinges of purple in a Lavender flower during its bloom. All they could see was the dull and life-less hues of gray, white and black. But, we know that in their community there would always be at least 1 person whom could hold the overwhelming and passionate colors that could be seen in a bright rainbow, like the Giver and now Jonas.
Chapter 13:
Quote:
“Well…” Jonas had to stop and think it through. “If everything’s the same, than there aren’t any choices! I want to wake up in the morning and decide things! ...”
-Page 92
Explanation:
I like this quote a lot because here Jonas gets to express himself over the elder’s and
community’s mistakes. He thinks that everyone should have the right to make choices for themselves. If I were Jonas, I would feel the same. I think that choices are the things that differentiate us from others because the way we think reflects on what and how we do things. I feel that Jonas has a right to feel this way; he is aware that everything is the same and he knows that ‘back, and back, and back ago’ people could make their own decisions.
Chapter 14:
Quote:
They have never known pain, he thought.
-Page 105
Explanation:
This part in the book was very strong. Jonas felt he was without a friend in the
world that could understand what he was going through and he was unfortunately right. The only one that could comprehend the intense pain and anguish Jonas was going through was the Giver. If I was Jonas not only would I feel lonely, but I would feel abandoned and frustrated. I would have felt frustrated because the only pain the community could feel now was a scrape of the knee, but even then they could get relief-of-pain-medication. Frustrated because nobody understood the dreadful throbbing of pain he was in.
Chapter 15:
Quote:
Finally, when he knew he could bear it no longer and would welcome death himself, he opened his eyes and was once again on the bed.
-Page 113 and 114
Explanation:
In this quote you realize how real and strong the memories truly are. Jonas, in
this memory, not only saw warfare, he felt it. He actually got to the point where he said that if he was in the memory longer, he would eventually die himself. At this point, if I were Jonas, I would have given up with the training already. The training was getting too intense for Jonas. Also, another reason why I would have given up was that the Giver had all the memories and he was in excruciating pain and anguish.
Chapter 16:
Quote:
“Things could change, Gabe,” Jonas went on “Things could be different. I don’t know how, but there must be some way for things to be different. There could be colors”… “And grandparents”... “And everybody would have the memories”…
”There could be love”
-Page 121 and 122
Explanation:
So far, this is my favorite part in the book. Jonas is telling Gabriel that if only
things were different there could be colors and grandparents. The most touching part was when he said there could be love… When Jonas said that last part, I thought, wow! This kid might have the determination to change things for real and for a good cause. Jonas probably was thinking about how he could do it, not only for Gabe, but for everyone, so that they knew the things Jonas knew. So that they could feel and express love.
Chapter 17:
Quote:
He had never recognized it as a game of war.
-Page 126
Explanation:
This quote really got me thinking of the games we play in real life as children.
Almost all reflect pain and suffering. Most of the video games are imitating war and fighting. What is most sad, like Jonas thought, is that most people don’t even know it. Like Asher and Fiona and the other kids they just think about it as a game to entertain yourself. It is most depressing when you know, like Jonas, the meaning of some things
Chapter 18:
Quote:
He said, “If you floated off in the river, I suppose I could help the whole community the way I’ve helped you. It’s an interesting concept. I need to think about it some more. Maybe we’ll talk about it again sometime. But not now…”
-Page 136
Explanation:
This quote is very extraordinarily bizarre. In a way, they are actually beginning a
plan to give the memories back to the community. The way they said it maid me come to this point. In my head, I think the Giver was already thinking about this interesting concept. Also, it sounded as though when he said, “Maybe we’ll talk about it sometime,” that he was almost, in a way, inviting Jonas to talk and, maybe make a plot, about how to give the memories back to the community.
Chapter 19:
Quote:
“Well, there you are, Jonas. You were wondering about release,” he said in a bitter voice.
-Page 142
Explanation:
This chapter was very depressing and gray. In the 1st chapter, I remember myself
asking what release was and how it was taken place. In this chapter, I found out. Release: When you insert a syringe, filled with a substance that would kill you automatically. Terrible, despicable, evil, and vindictive. I ask myself now: How could they do this to the Old and newborns? In a way, though, they would not have a problem of over-population. Still, it’s a terrible way to do it. This must have made Jonas feel, mad, sad, depressed, scared, and frustrated, like I would have felt. Jonas’ father was one of the people who did that to the babies; Fiona did it to the Old. The Giver must have felt greater distress because of Rosemary, who injected herself. This was just evil.
Chapter 20:
Quote:
“Yes, I understand that they’ll need you,” … “But I’ll need you, too. Please come with me.”… “But don’t you want to be with me, Giver?” Jonas asked sadly…”I love you, Jonas,” he said. “But I have another place to go. When my work here is finished, I want to be with my daughter.”… “Her name was Rosemary,” The Giver said.
-Page 152
Explanation:
This part was heartbreaking. They were talking about what would happen to each
other after the plan was initiated. Jonas was going to go alone and the Giver was going to stay and help the community cope with the memories. It was sad because Jonas would have to go all alone into the dark. What the Giver said was most depressing. He said that after he was done helping, he wants to be with his daughter, Rosemary. He meant that he would die and be reunited with his dead daughter, Rosemary.
Chapter 21:
Quote:
But it was necessary because it had the child seat attached to the back.
-Page 155
Explanation:
This part was so predictable. Of course, either way, Jonas would have had to
take Gabriel. This way, he could have just taken him. He had the obligation to take him; not only because he was his friend, but because if he didn’t, Gabriel would get released. Also, on the journey, Jonas would have a familiar face in the back and he would not be alone.
Chapter 22:
Quote:
Gabriel had not cried during the long frightening journey. Now he did. He cried because he was hungry and cold and terribly weak. Jonas cried, too, for the same reasons, and another reason as well. He wept because he was afraid now that he could not save Gabriel. He no longer cared about himself.
-Page 163
Explanation:
This was very miserable. Not only did they not have any food, they had no more
will power to live. Jonas was dying slowly and Gabriel was terribly weak. The only thing that was keeping Jonas alive was his obligation to care for and take responsibility over Gabriel. In return, this was maintaining Gabriel alive. And the danger they would usually endure was very difficult with their starvation and no determination. It was still cool though that they saw some wildlife like a deer and birds.
Chapter 23:
Quote:
He settled himself on the sled and hugged Gabe close. The hill was steep but the snow was powdery and soft, and he knew that this time there would be no ice, no fall, no pain. Inside his freezing body, his heart surged with hope.
They started down…
He forced his eyes open as they went downward, downward, sliding, and all at once he could see lights, and he recognized them now. He knew they were shining through the windows of rooms, that they were the red, blue, and yellow lights that twinkled from trees in places where families created and kept memories, where they celebrated love.
Downward, downward, faster and faster. Suddenly he was aware with certainty and joy that below, ahead, they were waiting for him; and that they were waiting, too, for the baby. For the first time, he heard something that he knew to be music. He heard people singing.
Behind him, across vast distances of space and time, from the place he had left, he thought he heard music too. But perhaps it was only an echo.
-Page 167 and 168
Explanation:
This was the most obscure and unclear part of the whole book. You have no idea
`what happened or what didn’t happen. There are three theories: 1.) Jonas and Gabriel died and went to heaven, 2.) After a long time of being gone, the memories have come back to the community and there have been changes, or 3.) Jonas is crazy and delusional. I personally believe it is the 2nd one: After a long time of being gone, the memories have come back to the community and there have been changes. The other two are highly likely, but I’ll stick to the number 2 theory. He might have just gone in a circle around the community and got back when all the changes were made. Homework: January Reading Log
January 2, 2007
Book/ Author:
Chicken Soup for the Preteen Soul 2/ N.A. Part Read:
1st Part of the book (First 126 pages) Quote:
(All of the Stories) Explanation:
Well, I picked all of the stories because picking a quote doesn't really apply to this book. In the first section, ON FRIENDS, I liked the story Friends at First Sight. I liked this story a lot because Stephanie shows here that you can find 'friends at first sight' like she found Jesse. Also, it is awesome how that even though he's an seventh grade boy, he can still be a sixth gade girls friend. It shows that true friends are forever. I also liked the story the Note in the section ON CRUSHES. It is so sweet how she falls 'in love--real love for the first time'. I also liked that even though she sent Mke Daniels a note saying she liked him, he just replied, "I like you, too. I'm glad we're friends." It is adorable how just writing that has helped Patty when she feels bad about herself. ON ACHIEVING DREAMS, I liked the poem Deep Inside because it is pretty and deep. Stephanie expresses here that listening to our heart gives us strength and inspiration that gives our soul 'its wings.'
January 3, 2007
(Chicken Soup cont.)
Part Read:
2nd Part of the Book (127- 177)
Quote:
(All the Stories)
January 10, 2007 Book/ Author:
· The Crucible/ Arthur Miller Part Read
· ½ of Act One Quote:
· Simply, it was this: for good purposes, even high purposes, the people of Salem developed theocracy, a combine of state and religious power whose function was to keep the community together, and to prevent any kind of disunity that might open it to destruction by material or ideological enemies. But all organization is and must be grounded on the idea of exclusion and prohibition, just as two objects cannot occupy the same place…The witch-hunt was a perverse manifestation of the panic which set in among all classes when the balance began to turn toward greater individual freedom.
…The witch-hunt was not, however, a mere repression. It
was also, and as importantly, a long overdue opportunity for everyone so inclined to express publicly his guilt and sins, under the cover of accusations against the victims.
-Page 7 Explanation:
This part in the overture, or beginning part in the book, caught my attention. Here it states that to the people of Salem, the witch-hunts were chances in which you accuse other fellow citizens just to express a sin or something bad you’ve done. This probably means that, according to the text, they did this because they panicked and felt the need of saying what they’ve done in a way that the people would not accuse the actual person that committed the sin, but an other person that was innocent. Like it says in the text, “ This was a perverse manifestation of the panic which set in among all classes.” At the same time though, that is what attracted me to this book.
January 11, 2007
(Crucibe cont.) Part Read:
· Finale of Act One
Quote:
· BETTY, calling out hysterically and with great relief: I saw Martha Bellows with the Devil!
ABIGAIL: I saw Goody Sibber with the Devil! It isrising to a great glee…
BETTY: I saw Alice Barrow with the Devil!
ABIGAIL: I saw Goody Hawkins with the Devil!
BETTY: I saw Goody Bibber with the Devil!
ABIGAIL: I saw Goody Booth with the Devil!
-Page 48 Explanation:
This final part in the first Act gives proof and basis to my first entry. In this act, it shows us that, sure they did confess, but right after they accused other housewives. What seemed to be the truth, was what they confessed because it was what was eating them up inside. But they did not take the blame for drinking blood and calling up the Devil with witchcraft. Instead, they blamed it on people, who might have eventually offended them at some point. So, not only did they call on the Devil and drink blood, they were probably falsely accusing the housewives.
January 12, 2007
(Crucible cont.) Part Read:
Act Two Quote:
PROCTOR: hesitating, and with deep hatred of himself: Good. Than her saintliness is done with. Mary backs from him. We will slide together into our pit ; you will tell the court what you know.
MARY WARREN, in terror : I cannot, they’ll turn on me—
Proctor strides and catches her, and she is repeating, “I cannot, I cannot!”
PROCTOR: My wife will never die for me! I will bring your guts into your mouth but that goodness will not die for me!
MARY WARREN, struggling to escape him: I cannot do it, I cannot!
PROCTOR, grasping her by the throat as though he would strangle her: Make your peace with it! Now Hell and Heaven grapple on our backs, and all our old pretense is ripped away—make your peace! He throws her to the floor, where she sobs, “I cannot, I cannot. . .” And now, half to himself, staring, and turning to the open door: Peace. It is a providence, and no great change; we are only what we always were, but naked now. He walks as though toward a great horror, facing the open sky. Aye, naked! And the wind, God’s icy wind, will blow! As she is over and over again sobbing, “I cannot, I cannot, I cannot,” as
THE CURTAIN FALLS
-Page 80 and 81 Explanation:
This part is very strong. Here Proctor is telling Mary to confess that Abigail and Betty were lying or sending false accusations to the housewives, but Mary does not want to becauseshe says, "They'll will turn on me.". I believe she is scared not because of the housewives, but because of what Abigail and Betty would doto her. Mary knows that the both of them are only doing this to get back at the Goody's and Abigail is especially accusing Goody Proctor because 'she stole Proctor from her.' Quite frankly, it would be scary because if Abigail is willing to stab herself to get someone in jail, imagine what she would do to a friend that betrayed her.
January 13, 2007
(Crucible cont.)
Part Read:
1st Part of Act Three Quote:
DANFORTH, thinks, staring at Proctor, then turns to Mary Warren: And you, Mary Warren, how came you to cry out people for sending out their spirits against you?
MARY WARREN: It were pretense, sir.
DANFORTH: I cannot hear you.
PROCTOR: It were pretense, she says.
DANFORTH: Ah? And the other girls? Susanna Walcott, and --- the others? They are also pretending?
MARY WARREN: Aye, sir.
-Page 89 Explanation:
Finally, in this Act someone confesses! The thing is that they may not listen to her. Atleast, they know now; they do not have to care, but they know, but if they are human, they might want to look into it. Maybe this might be what frees the Goody's from their hangings and trials. Then again, they might not listen due to the fact that there were so many girls that said that the Goody's were doing witchcraft. Hopefully, it does not get any more complicated and twisted.
January 14, 2007
(Crucible cont.)
Part Read:
2nd Part of Act Three Quote:
DANFORTH: These will be sufficient. Sit you down, children. Silently they sit. Your friend, Mary Warren, has given us a deposition. In which she swears that she never saw familiar spirits, appparitions, nor any manifest of the Devil. She claims as well that none of you have seen these things either. Slight pause. Now, children, this is a court of law. The law, based upon the Bible, and the Bible, writ by Almighty God, forbid the practice of witchcraft, and describe death as the penalty thereof. But likewise, children, the law and the Bible damn all bearers of false witness. Slight pause. Now then. It does not escape me that this deposition may be devised to blind us; it may well be that Mary Warren has been conquered by Satan, who sends her here to distract our sacred purpose. If so, her neck will break for it. But if she speak true, I bid you now drop your guile and confess your pretense, for a quick confession will go easier with you. Pause...
-Page 102 Explanation:
After a long anticipation to wait for this part, it finally comes. The time when either they all succeed in their plot or they all fall to hangings. They either rise together and take down the town or they fall united to the town to death. I can't wait to see what happens to Abigail and the rest of them. If they do fall, they can be charged for perjury or false testimony/ witness whitch can be punished for sevirly, especially in Salem in 1962. Anything could happen there. Still, I await to see the insanities Abigail will do to get Proctor back on her side.
January 15, 2007
(Crucible cont.)
Part Read:
Finale of Act Three Quote:
All of pages 103-120 Explanation:
This part of the book is not anything at all like what I expected. I was waiting for someone to get convicted and hanged. Instead, everything goes bazerk. Mary Warren loses it and goes crazy (They say they see a bird), so do the other girls, including Abigail. Proctor almost freed Elizabeth by confessing his affair with Abigail, but fails in the process. Danforth plays raquetball with everyone emotions and thoughts by saying Mary is right/ Abigail and the girls are wrong; then Abigail and the girls are right/ Mary is wrong; finally, he accuses Proctor of forcing Mary to confess, who is strangely reunited with Abigail and the girls. Not at all what I expected.
January 16, 2007
(Crucible cont.)
Part Read:
1st Part of Act Four Quote:
DANFORTH: Now here me, and beguile yourselves no more. I will not receive a single plea for pardon or postponement. Them that will not confess will hang. Twelve are already executed; the names of these seven are given out, and the village expects to see them die in the morning. Postponement now speaks a floundering on my part; reprieve or pardon must cast doubt upon the guilt of them that died till now. While I speak God's law, I will not crack its voice with whimpering. If retaliation is your fear, know this---I should hang ten thousand that dared to rise against the law, and an ocean of salt tears could not melt the resolution of the salt statutes. Now draw yourselves up like men and help me, as you are by Heaven to do...
-Page 129 Explanation:
This part is very strong on Danforth's behalf. I understand that he does not want to be taken advantage of, but he is not even considering Parris and Hale's requests. He probably thinks that if they postpone the hangings, tnen they will be for sure "confessing"---lies; he might think that they will confess because they know that if they don't they will die. I believe he should postpone it by seven days so that Parris and Hale can be with them for a while so that they can atleast have a bit more time.
January 17, 2007
(Crucible cont.)
Part Read:
2nd Part of Act Four Quote:
DANFORTH: You baffle me, sir. Why have you returned here?
HALE: Why, it is simple. I come to do the Devil's work. I come to counsel Christians they should belie themselves. His sarcasm collapses. There is blood on my head! Can you not see the blood on my head!!
-Page131 Explanation:
I picked this quote because it really popped out to me. I was unsure of Hale's tone. I wasn't sure if he wanted to be sarcastic to say, "I come to do the Devil's work. I come to counsel Christians they should belie themselves" or when he said, "There is blood on my head! Can you not see the blood on my head!!" Either way, he still had a great affect on Danforth. Hale feels terrible because he thinks he is responsible for most of the hangings and John Proctor's. If I were him, I would feel the same way.
January 18, 2007
(Crucible cont.)
Part Read:
Finale of Act Four Quote:
ELIZABETH, supporting herself against collapse, grips the bars of the window, and with a cry: He have his goodness now. God forbid I take it from him!
-Page 145 Explanation:
The ending to this book was sad. A lot of innocent people died because of this 'perverse manifestation of the panic' that the people of Salem felt. Including those poor, poor, innocent people that hanged were John Proctor and the Nurses'. And what makes me feel even more sick to my stomach is that this really happened. The people may not have been real, but this really did happen to people. I had never read a book like this, but it has helped me to understand what they will expect in HS. I feel bad for Elizabeth and her children, and Parris. But, I do not feel bad for Abigail, who later turned up as a prostitute in Boston. Besides the harsh reality of this play, it was a 'drama of emotional power and impact', like the New York Post acclaimed.
This is Mrs. Zana writing: Look back to your 1st entries about this play. You believed they were really evil witches! Look how easy it is for people to believe something. Did you know that the author wrote this play to compare what happened in Salem to something that was going on in the U.S. when he was writing?
BTW, do you really want to read Nietzsche next? That's college stuff. I've got some great books in the room that you would like. Try "Out of the Dust" or "Kira, Kira" January 19, 2007
Book/ Author:
Why I Am So Wise/ Friedrich Nietzsche Part Read:
Foreword Quote:
(All of the pages in the Foreword) Explanation:
I didn't pick a quote because, quite frankly, I didn't understand a single word he said. They were all metaphors, which I couldn't understand. Then he started talking about different people and I didn't know what was happening. Nietzsche writes wonderfully from what I have heard but I still don't get what he tries to say.
January 20, 2007
(Why I Am So Wise cont.)
Part Read:
Pages 8-12 Quote:
On this perfect day, when everything has become ripe and not only the grapes are growing brown, a ray of sunlight has fallen on to my life: I looked behind me , I looked before me, never have I seen so many and such good things together. Explanation:
I picked this quote because it was so pretty and joyful for him. I guess it was his birthday, so he was remembering all the things he's done to this point of his life. It's a pretty was to express how he is feeling. Besides that, I did not get anything---that is why I am abandoning this book.
January 21, 2007
Book/ Author:
Loser/ Jerry Spinelli
Part Read:
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Confucianism
Introduction:
Confucianism: A Chinese philosophy that emphasizes proper behavior. This idea that when we all worked properly, society would be in peace was introduced by Confucius, an early Chinese thinker and Philosopher. He lived a life full of search of something better--- peace. He taught about personal and governmental morality, the five principal, social relationships, sincerity, and justice. His teachings influenced Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and Vietnamese society. His ethics were basic, but profound.
The Life of Confucius:
Confucius was born in Qufu, Lu in five-hundred-fifty-one BCE. He came from a poor, but noble family. As a child, he saw when his father died at the age of three. He experienced what it meant to be in poverty and he understood the harsh reality of politics.
Kong Fuzi, as called in Pinyin, saw suffering at a very early age. He saw how Lu, his state got into war. He saw how, shortly after his father's death, his mother passed away. Then, he saw how, after he got the priviledge of vbeing Justice Minister, the politics of his state were corrupted.
He left all he knew, and began a journey around the kingdoms of North-Central China. At the age of sixty-eight, he returned to Lu to transmit and teach his 'old wisdom' to his disciples. He had finished his journey in the search of answers. He passed away at the age of seventy-two.
Teachings of Confucianism:
A quote from the Analects of Confucius: "Learning without thought is labor lost; thought without learning is perilous." This is one of the thousands of teachings of Confucius. Confucius taught that people should think for themselves. During those difficult times, he wanted to set moral values. He taught about ethics, poltics, and humaness. One of his most famous teaching about ethics was this one: 'What you do not wish for yourself, do not do to others." His thought on polits were that, in order to govern others, one must first govern oneself and on humaness he believed that, loyalty and the understanding of the relationships were the most important.
On ethics, he taught about filial piety and his philosophies. Filial Piety is a certain devotion you give to both the living and the dead. You must give respect and obedience. Another concept it had was that, to live a good life, you must have strong family loyalty, you must worship your ancestors, respect your family, and believe that the family of one is the only basis for a good govern. Confucianism also taught that one's self-interest wasn't bad, yet doing what was right was better that pursuing our own ways. Empathy and the understanding of others was its moral system.
Confucianism's next big teaching was on politics, governing, and rites. Kong Qiu, another title for Confucius, argued that the best possible government there could be was the one that would rule through rites and morality, rather than force or bribery. He argued that honesty and the truth should always be told and that respect and help should always be given. Another value was the one found in the Analects, Book Two, Section Three, where it says that for any wise ruler to lead, he must put the people in their eightful place, then out of shame, they will all work in harmony. Another saying, as repeated before was that in order to govern over others, one must first govern over oneself.
Another central theme to Confucius' theory was that of relationships. He taught that for there to be peace in society, people would have to be in there social position, playing his or her part contributing to the will-being of the others. Like in the Anelects it says: 'There is government, when the prince is prince, and the minister is minister; when the father is father, and the son is son.' The most interesting thing about this was that there also had to be loyalty and obediance. On humaness he thought that for everyone to develop well, everyone would have to help by actions and attitudes that could teach.
Influence:
This considered religion had a great influence. The biggest impact it has had was on China. The actitude toward life, social values, political theories of this country have been molded by Confucianism. Its civilization has been taught about ethics, honor, social responsibility (of the family and political figures), ancestor worship, and its way of thinking. It also influenced Korean culture. Confucianism was one of the major religions there and it has made the Korean society unique. Besides influencing these major countries and their aspects, the Vietnamese and Japanese cultures have been changed.
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Conclusion:
Although it may not be as distinguished as one og the most popular religion, this ethical tradition called Confucianism is very close. Confucius taught to cultivate one among eachother morally, participate in the respect of the living and dead, show loyalty, cultivate humaity and sympathy. It ois a very appealing way of seeing life. Though we may not recognize it in us, we may have an ethical moral of this religion all in us. It may not be flashy, but if you want good morals, just learn about Confucianism.
Castro, Angie
September 28, 2006
Period 6/7
1.) What are you good at?
I am good at singing. In Elementary School I was an Alto.
2.) How do you feel when you're doing the thing you're good at?
When I am singing I feel so happy and free. It's like I am liberated from a prison of obligations and duties.
3.) How would you feel if people wouldn't let you do the thing you're good at?
I would go crazy if I was restricted from singing because when I sing I feel free.
Boy of the Painted Cave
Tuesday, October 3, 2006
Chapter 1
1.) What problems or conflicts are presented in chapter 1?
Tao's clan is starving to death. They just had a famine.
Tao's desire to draw/paint is growing, but he knows that in his society they would shun him because they consider it a taboo.
2.) Predict the resolution of each conflict.
Well, if you started hunting earlier in the day, with more people, they would probably be able to find more animals and meat.
You probably could not because you cannot crush someones most inner desire.
Chapter 2
1.) What two important events happen this chapter?
Well, Tao goes into the forsaken forest searching for food.
While in the forest, he finds a creature that in chapter 3 you will find out what it is.
Thursday, October 5, 2006
Chapter 3
1.) What do Tao and Ram learn to do together?
Tao and Ram learn to hunt and to work together.
2.) What decision does Tao tell Volt?
Tao tells Volt that he want to hunt alone because he does not want to tell them about Ram because he knows if they knew they would kill him.
3.) I am so frustrated. Tao has disrespected me, Volt. He is a dreamer and will not listen to the elders. Tao is the most foolish and selfish one of the clan. He will not listen to us when we work on hunting. Sometimes I wish I could go back in time when he was an infant and stop Vedra from saving that desgrace.
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Chapter 8
1.) What situation did you imagine?
Well, this story/situation is true. My sister, Patty, wants to become a lawyer and study politics. the problem is that ALL of our uncles and cousins in Peru are doctors ans dentists that study medicine. She really wants to be a lawyer, but my relatives would hate that. She desires to study law and politics. It has been her dream since as long as I can remember.
2.) I believe if I were in that situation I would break the tradition and just study law as a profession.
Monday, October 16, 2006
Chapter 9
1.)Why do you think Graybeard changed his mind?
Graybeard changed his mind so that Tao could, atleast, have a chance to become a Chosen One and do what he desires, draw images.
2.)What does this tell you about his character?
It teaches us that Graybeard is a caring person that is considerate of others feelings and emotions.
Monday, October 16, 2006
Chapter 11
1.)Do you think Graybeard is a good teacher? Why? Would you like to have been taught a skill by him? Why?
I believe Graybeard is a good teacher because it looks like he really cares about the student and what he's learning. I would have loved to been taught by Graybeard because he looks tough, but in the inside he's really nice.
The Giver
Chapter 1:
- Quote:
NEEDLESS TO SAY, HE WILL BE RELEASED, the voice had said followed by silence.-Page 4
- Explanation:
I picked this sentence from all of Chapter 1 because I thought it was very unusual. ‘HE WILL BE RELEASED’ sounded odd. As the story goes on to tell, the pilot made a mistake and was going to be ‘RELEASED’. This part brought up questions: What did it mean to be ‘RELEASED’? What happened if you were? How did it happen? I believe this part is very significant in the storyChapter 2:
- Quote:
The Ceremony of Twelve was the last of the Ceremonies. The most important.-Page 15
- Explanation:
I picked these sentences out of all of Chapter 2 because it seemed important. Itbrought up questions: Why was it the most important? Why should only Twelves have this ceremony? Why was Jonas so apprehensive? This part seems as though it might be the climax of the novel.
Chapter 3:
- Quote:
… With his laughter tried to ignore his uneasy conviction that something had happened…-Page 25
- Explanation:
I picked this quote because it caught my attention for 2 distinct reasons. 1: Ifsomething strange happens, like what happened to Jonas, you should be able to tell someone, but I guess in this utopia you can’t. 2: If only Jonas perceived the change in the apple, that must mean that he can see what the ‘normal’ person can’t. This quote is very peculiar. To me, it brought up questions: What does this mean? Is Jonas special or ‘different’? Is this bad?
Chapter 4:
- Quote:
Once, long ago, it was whispered among the children, an Eleven had arrived at the Ceremony of Twelve only to hear a public announcement that he had not completed the required number of volunteer hours and would not, therefore, be given an assignment.-Page 28
- Explanation:
This quote, at least to me, seems as though it needs serious consideration. Itlooks as if when you are an Eleven, preparing to be a Twelve, you have to complete a required number of volunteer hours to get an assignment. In my opinion, it sounds harsh, but at the same time good for the kids. It’s harsh because they are only 11. But it is good for them because that way they are doing something productive. That was my opinion on that quote.
Chapter 5:
- Quote:
ATTENTION. A REMINDER THAT STIRRINGS MUST BE REPORTED IN ORDER FOR TREATMENT TO TAKE PLACE.-Page 36
- Explanation:
This quote is very bizarre. In the book, it explains that stirrings are feelings youhave for the opposite sex, but it’s natural for a kid/ teenager going through puberty. What was weird was that in order for treatment to take place, they would have to take pills. Really, what type of freaks would try to mess with human nature and its process? Seriously. That’s what I thought about this quote.
Chapter 6:
- Quote:
“… Here today and gone tomorrow. Never seen again. Not even a Ceremony of Release…”, “… How could someone not fit in? The community was so meticulously ordered, the choices so carefully made…”-Page 47
- Explanation:
“... Here today and gone tomorrow…” This quote really appealed to me.Obviously, it was talking about Release. But, if someone was ‘here today and gone tomorrow’, how did it take place? Also, it shows that even if everything is in Sameness, things can still go wrong.
Chapter 7:
- Quote:
He remembered the cheerful voice call out, “I want my smack!”-Page 52
- Explanation:
Wow! This quote. Seriously, if in this utopia they pay such close attention ofone’s grammar, you’d think they’d be able to tell if a child could see beyond the normal? Also, if a little kid makes a grammar mistake, we would just correct them, but they make it so that the child actually stays traumatized for making a mistake. This utopia has weird ways of teaching English/ Grammar.
Chapter 8:
- Quote:
In a firm, commanding voice she announced, “Jonas has been selected to be our next Receiver of Memory.”-Page 57
- Explanation:
I liked this quote a lot. It was very exciting and exhilarating. Jonas, if he was real,should have been very scared, but at the same time happy. Scared because in their community the highest rank a person can be is the Receiver of Memory, so there must be a lot of obligations and duties. Happy because he was doubting what he should have been and now he knew that he was the new Receiver.
Chapter 9:
- Quote:
7. You are not permitted to apply for release.8. You may lie.
-Page 65
- Explanation:
These rules were extremely strange. ‘7. You are not permitted to apply forrelease’ is very weird because it implies that in some occasions the obligations or pain maybe awfully excruciating. ‘8. You my lie’ is most peculiar of all because they are giving Jonas the authority and power to lie. To me, out of all the unusual rules, these 2 were the most uncanny of all.
Chapter 10:
- Quote:
“I am going to transmit the memory…”-Page 76
- Explanation:
This part in the chapter is especially cool and interesting! It’s cool to think that byjust touching someone’s back, the former Receiver can transmit a memory to Jonas. It’s awesome! If this was true, if you could give reminiscence to anyone, this would be particularly remarkable! Jonas must have felt ecstatic!
Chapter 11:
- Quote:
“It hurts a lot,” Jonas said, “but I’m glad you gave it to me. It was interesting. And now I understand better, what it meant, that there would be pain.”-Page 83
- Explanation
This quote caught my attention. When Jonas said this he had barely received his1st sunburn. This quote must have really frustrated the Giver because, since he has all these memories of pain and suffering, by Jonas saying the sunburn hurt, he must have felt that way. It makes you think, if Jonas thought a sunburn was the painful thing the announcer meant when she said there would be great suffering, the Elders must have banished any form of grief and sorrow. In a way, this must have been good for the community, but if there was no pain, you wouldn’t know what choices and the good, but oh-so-painful love and friendships were.
Chapter 12:
- Quote:
“You’re beginning to see the color red…Once back in the time of the memories, everything had shape and size, the way things still do, but they also had a qualitycalled color”
-Page 89 and 90
- Explanation:
This quote really hit me. They could not see color. I mean without color theycould not see the beautiful shades of pink in a Peony or the light tinges of purple in a Lavender flower during its bloom. All they could see was the dull and life-less hues of gray, white and black. But, we know that in their community there would always be at least 1 person whom could hold the overwhelming and passionate colors that could be seen in a bright rainbow, like the Giver and now Jonas.
Chapter 13:
- Quote:
“Well…” Jonas had to stop and think it through. “If everything’s the same, than there aren’t any choices! I want to wake up in the morning and decide things! ...”-Page 92
- Explanation:
I like this quote a lot because here Jonas gets to express himself over the elder’s andcommunity’s mistakes. He thinks that everyone should have the right to make choices for themselves. If I were Jonas, I would feel the same. I think that choices are the things that differentiate us from others because the way we think reflects on what and how we do things. I feel that Jonas has a right to feel this way; he is aware that everything is the same and he knows that ‘back, and back, and back ago’ people could make their own decisions.
Chapter 14:
- Quote:
They have never known pain, he thought.-Page 105
- Explanation:
This part in the book was very strong. Jonas felt he was without a friend in theworld that could understand what he was going through and he was unfortunately right. The only one that could comprehend the intense pain and anguish Jonas was going through was the Giver. If I was Jonas not only would I feel lonely, but I would feel abandoned and frustrated. I would have felt frustrated because the only pain the community could feel now was a scrape of the knee, but even then they could get relief-of-pain-medication. Frustrated because nobody understood the dreadful throbbing of pain he was in.
Chapter 15:
- Quote:
Finally, when he knew he could bear it no longer and would welcome death himself, he opened his eyes and was once again on the bed.-Page 113 and 114
- Explanation:
In this quote you realize how real and strong the memories truly are. Jonas, inthis memory, not only saw warfare, he felt it. He actually got to the point where he said that if he was in the memory longer, he would eventually die himself. At this point, if I were Jonas, I would have given up with the training already. The training was getting too intense for Jonas. Also, another reason why I would have given up was that the Giver had all the memories and he was in excruciating pain and anguish.
Chapter 16:
- Quote:
“Things could change, Gabe,” Jonas went on “Things could be different. I don’t know how, but there must be some way for things to be different. There could be colors”… “And grandparents”... “And everybody would have the memories”…”There could be love”
-Page 121 and 122
- Explanation:
So far, this is my favorite part in the book. Jonas is telling Gabriel that if onlythings were different there could be colors and grandparents. The most touching part was when he said there could be love… When Jonas said that last part, I thought, wow! This kid might have the determination to change things for real and for a good cause. Jonas probably was thinking about how he could do it, not only for Gabe, but for everyone, so that they knew the things Jonas knew. So that they could feel and express love.
Chapter 17:
- Quote:
He had never recognized it as a game of war.-Page 126
- Explanation:
This quote really got me thinking of the games we play in real life as children.Almost all reflect pain and suffering. Most of the video games are imitating war and fighting. What is most sad, like Jonas thought, is that most people don’t even know it. Like Asher and Fiona and the other kids they just think about it as a game to entertain yourself. It is most depressing when you know, like Jonas, the meaning of some things
Chapter 18:
- Quote:
He said, “If you floated off in the river, I suppose I could help the whole community the way I’ve helped you. It’s an interesting concept. I need to think about it some more. Maybe we’ll talk about it again sometime. But not now…”-Page 136
- Explanation:
This quote is very extraordinarily bizarre. In a way, they are actually beginning aplan to give the memories back to the community. The way they said it maid me come to this point. In my head, I think the Giver was already thinking about this interesting concept. Also, it sounded as though when he said, “Maybe we’ll talk about it sometime,” that he was almost, in a way, inviting Jonas to talk and, maybe make a plot, about how to give the memories back to the community.
Chapter 19:
- Quote:
“Well, there you are, Jonas. You were wondering about release,” he said in a bitter voice.-Page 142
- Explanation:
This chapter was very depressing and gray. In the 1st chapter, I remember myselfasking what release was and how it was taken place. In this chapter, I found out. Release: When you insert a syringe, filled with a substance that would kill you automatically. Terrible, despicable, evil, and vindictive. I ask myself now: How could they do this to the Old and newborns? In a way, though, they would not have a problem of over-population. Still, it’s a terrible way to do it. This must have made Jonas feel, mad, sad, depressed, scared, and frustrated, like I would have felt. Jonas’ father was one of the people who did that to the babies; Fiona did it to the Old. The Giver must have felt greater distress because of Rosemary, who injected herself. This was just evil.
Chapter 20:
- Quote:
“Yes, I understand that they’ll need you,” … “But I’ll need you, too. Please come with me.”… “But don’t you want to be with me, Giver?” Jonas asked sadly…”I love you, Jonas,” he said. “But I have another place to go. When my work here is finished, I want to be with my daughter.”… “Her name was Rosemary,” The Giver said.-Page 152
- Explanation:
This part was heartbreaking. They were talking about what would happen to eachother after the plan was initiated. Jonas was going to go alone and the Giver was going to stay and help the community cope with the memories. It was sad because Jonas would have to go all alone into the dark. What the Giver said was most depressing. He said that after he was done helping, he wants to be with his daughter, Rosemary. He meant that he would die and be reunited with his dead daughter, Rosemary.
Chapter 21:
- Quote:
But it was necessary because it had the child seat attached to the back.-Page 155
- Explanation:
This part was so predictable. Of course, either way, Jonas would have had totake Gabriel. This way, he could have just taken him. He had the obligation to take him; not only because he was his friend, but because if he didn’t, Gabriel would get released. Also, on the journey, Jonas would have a familiar face in the back and he would not be alone.
Chapter 22:
- Quote:
Gabriel had not cried during the long frightening journey. Now he did. He cried because he was hungry and cold and terribly weak. Jonas cried, too, for the same reasons, and another reason as well. He wept because he was afraid now that he could not save Gabriel. He no longer cared about himself.-Page 163
- Explanation:
This was very miserable. Not only did they not have any food, they had no morewill power to live. Jonas was dying slowly and Gabriel was terribly weak. The only thing that was keeping Jonas alive was his obligation to care for and take responsibility over Gabriel. In return, this was maintaining Gabriel alive. And the danger they would usually endure was very difficult with their starvation and no determination. It was still cool though that they saw some wildlife like a deer and birds.
Chapter 23:
- Quote:
He settled himself on the sled and hugged Gabe close. The hill was steep but the snow was powdery and soft, and he knew that this time there would be no ice, no fall, no pain. Inside his freezing body, his heart surged with hope.They started down…
He forced his eyes open as they went downward, downward, sliding, and all at once he could see lights, and he recognized them now. He knew they were shining through the windows of rooms, that they were the red, blue, and yellow lights that twinkled from trees in places where families created and kept memories, where they celebrated love.
Downward, downward, faster and faster. Suddenly he was aware with certainty and joy that below, ahead, they were waiting for him; and that they were waiting, too, for the baby. For the first time, he heard something that he knew to be music. He heard people singing.
Behind him, across vast distances of space and time, from the place he had left, he thought he heard music too. But perhaps it was only an echo.
-Page 167 and 168
- Explanation:
This was the most obscure and unclear part of the whole book. You have no idea`what happened or what didn’t happen. There are three theories: 1.) Jonas and Gabriel died and went to heaven, 2.) After a long time of being gone, the memories have come back to the community and there have been changes, or 3.) Jonas is crazy and delusional. I personally believe it is the 2nd one: After a long time of being gone, the memories have come back to the community and there have been changes. The other two are highly likely, but I’ll stick to the number 2 theory. He might have just gone in a circle around the community and got back when all the changes were made.
Homework:
January Reading Log
January 2, 2007
Book/ Author:
Chicken Soup for the Preteen Soul 2/ N.A.
Part Read:
1st Part of the book (First 126 pages)
Quote:
(All of the Stories)
Explanation:
Well, I picked all of the stories because picking a quote doesn't really apply to this book. In the first section, ON FRIENDS, I liked the story Friends at First Sight. I liked this story a lot because Stephanie shows here that you can find 'friends at first sight' like she found Jesse. Also, it is awesome how that even though he's an seventh grade boy, he can still be a sixth gade girls friend. It shows that true friends are forever. I also liked the story the Note in the section ON CRUSHES. It is so sweet how she falls 'in love--real love for the first time'. I also liked that even though she sent Mke Daniels a note saying she liked him, he just replied, "I like you, too. I'm glad we're friends." It is adorable how just writing that has helped Patty when she feels bad about herself. ON ACHIEVING DREAMS, I liked the poem Deep Inside because it is pretty and deep. Stephanie expresses here that listening to our heart gives us strength and inspiration that gives our soul 'its wings.'
January 3, 2007
(Chicken Soup cont.)
Part Read:
2nd Part of the Book (127- 177)
Quote:
(All the Stories)
January 10, 2007
Book/ Author:
· The Crucible/ Arthur Miller
Part Read
· ½ of Act One
Quote:
· Simply, it was this: for good purposes, even high purposes, the people of Salem developed theocracy, a combine of state and religious power whose function was to keep the community together, and to prevent any kind of disunity that might open it to destruction by material or ideological enemies. But all organization is and must be grounded on the idea of exclusion and prohibition, just as two objects cannot occupy the same place…The witch-hunt was a perverse manifestation of the panic which set in among all classes when the balance began to turn toward greater individual freedom.
…The witch-hunt was not, however, a mere repression. It
was also, and as importantly, a long overdue opportunity for everyone so inclined to express publicly his guilt and sins, under the cover of accusations against the victims.
-Page 7
Explanation:
This part in the overture, or beginning part in the book, caught my attention. Here it states that to the people of Salem, the witch-hunts were chances in which you accuse other fellow citizens just to express a sin or something bad you’ve done. This probably means that, according to the text, they did this because they panicked and felt the need of saying what they’ve done in a way that the people would not accuse the actual person that committed the sin, but an other person that was innocent. Like it says in the text, “ This was a perverse manifestation of the panic which set in among all classes.” At the same time though, that is what attracted me to this book.
January 11, 2007
(Crucibe cont.)
Part Read:
· Finale of Act One
Quote:
· BETTY, calling out hysterically and with great relief: I saw Martha Bellows with the Devil!
ABIGAIL: I saw Goody Sibber with the Devil! It is rising to a great glee…
BETTY: I saw Alice Barrow with the Devil!
ABIGAIL: I saw Goody Hawkins with the Devil!
BETTY: I saw Goody Bibber with the Devil!
ABIGAIL: I saw Goody Booth with the Devil!
-Page 48
Explanation:
This final part in the first Act gives proof and basis to my first entry. In this act, it shows us that, sure they did confess, but right after they accused other housewives. What seemed to be the truth, was what they confessed because it was what was eating them up inside. But they did not take the blame for drinking blood and calling up the Devil with witchcraft. Instead, they blamed it on people, who might have eventually offended them at some point. So, not only did they call on the Devil and drink blood, they were probably falsely accusing the housewives.
January 12, 2007
(Crucible cont.)
Part Read:
Act Two
Quote:
PROCTOR: hesitating, and with deep hatred of himself: Good. Than her saintliness is done with. Mary backs from him. We will slide together into our pit ; you will tell the court what you know.
MARY WARREN, in terror : I cannot, they’ll turn on me—
Proctor strides and catches her, and she is repeating, “I cannot, I cannot!”
PROCTOR: My wife will never die for me! I will bring your guts into your mouth but that goodness will not die for me!
MARY WARREN, struggling to escape him: I cannot do it, I cannot!
PROCTOR, grasping her by the throat as though he would strangle her: Make your peace with it! Now Hell and Heaven grapple on our backs, and all our old pretense is ripped away—make your peace! He throws her to the floor, where she sobs, “I cannot, I cannot. . .” And now, half to himself, staring, and turning to the open door: Peace. It is a providence, and no great change; we are only what we always were, but naked now. He walks as though toward a great horror, facing the open sky. Aye, naked! And the wind, God’s icy wind, will blow!
As she is over and over again sobbing, “I cannot, I cannot, I cannot,” as
THE CURTAIN FALLS
-Page 80 and 81
Explanation:
This part is very strong. Here Proctor is telling Mary to confess that Abigail and Betty were lying or sending false accusations to the housewives, but Mary does not want to becauseshe says, "They'll will turn on me.". I believe she is scared not because of the housewives, but because of what Abigail and Betty would doto her. Mary knows that the both of them are only doing this to get back at the Goody's and Abigail is especially accusing Goody Proctor because 'she stole Proctor from her.' Quite frankly, it would be scary because if Abigail is willing to stab herself to get someone in jail, imagine what she would do to a friend that betrayed her.
January 13, 2007
(Crucible cont.)
Part Read:
1st Part of Act Three
Quote:
DANFORTH, thinks, staring at Proctor, then turns to Mary Warren: And you, Mary Warren, how came you to cry out people for sending out their spirits against you?
MARY WARREN: It were pretense, sir.
DANFORTH: I cannot hear you.
PROCTOR: It were pretense, she says.
DANFORTH: Ah? And the other girls? Susanna Walcott, and --- the others? They are also pretending?
MARY WARREN: Aye, sir.
-Page 89
Explanation:
Finally, in this Act someone confesses! The thing is that they may not listen to her. Atleast, they know now; they do not have to care, but they know, but if they are human, they might want to look into it. Maybe this might be what frees the Goody's from their hangings and trials. Then again, they might not listen due to the fact that there were so many girls that said that the Goody's were doing witchcraft. Hopefully, it does not get any more complicated and twisted.
January 14, 2007
(Crucible cont.)
Part Read:
2nd Part of Act Three
Quote:
DANFORTH: These will be sufficient. Sit you down, children. Silently they sit. Your friend, Mary Warren, has given us a deposition. In which she swears that she never saw familiar spirits, appparitions, nor any manifest of the Devil. She claims as well that none of you have seen these things either. Slight pause. Now, children, this is a court of law. The law, based upon the Bible, and the Bible, writ by Almighty God, forbid the practice of witchcraft, and describe death as the penalty thereof. But likewise, children, the law and the Bible damn all bearers of false witness. Slight pause. Now then. It does not escape me that this deposition may be devised to blind us; it may well be that Mary Warren has been conquered by Satan, who sends her here to distract our sacred purpose. If so, her neck will break for it. But if she speak true, I bid you now drop your guile and confess your pretense, for a quick confession will go easier with you. Pause...
-Page 102
Explanation:
After a long anticipation to wait for this part, it finally comes. The time when either they all succeed in their plot or they all fall to hangings. They either rise together and take down the town or they fall united to the town to death. I can't wait to see what happens to Abigail and the rest of them. If they do fall, they can be charged for perjury or false testimony/ witness whitch can be punished for sevirly, especially in Salem in 1962. Anything could happen there. Still, I await to see the insanities Abigail will do to get Proctor back on her side.
January 15, 2007
(Crucible cont.)
Part Read:
Finale of Act Three
Quote:
All of pages 103-120
Explanation:
This part of the book is not anything at all like what I expected. I was waiting for someone to get convicted and hanged. Instead, everything goes bazerk. Mary Warren loses it and goes crazy (They say they see a bird), so do the other girls, including Abigail. Proctor almost freed Elizabeth by confessing his affair with Abigail, but fails in the process. Danforth plays raquetball with everyone emotions and thoughts by saying Mary is right/ Abigail and the girls are wrong; then Abigail and the girls are right/ Mary is wrong; finally, he accuses Proctor of forcing Mary to confess, who is strangely reunited with Abigail and the girls. Not at all what I expected.
January 16, 2007
(Crucible cont.)
Part Read:
1st Part of Act Four
Quote:
DANFORTH: Now here me, and beguile yourselves no more. I will not receive a single plea for pardon or postponement. Them that will not confess will hang. Twelve are already executed; the names of these seven are given out, and the village expects to see them die in the morning. Postponement now speaks a floundering on my part; reprieve or pardon must cast doubt upon the guilt of them that died till now. While I speak God's law, I will not crack its voice with whimpering. If retaliation is your fear, know this---I should hang ten thousand that dared to rise against the law, and an ocean of salt tears could not melt the resolution of the salt statutes. Now draw yourselves up like men and help me, as you are by Heaven to do...
-Page 129
Explanation:
This part is very strong on Danforth's behalf. I understand that he does not want to be taken advantage of, but he is not even considering Parris and Hale's requests. He probably thinks that if they postpone the hangings, tnen they will be for sure "confessing"---lies; he might think that they will confess because they know that if they don't they will die. I believe he should postpone it by seven days so that Parris and Hale can be with them for a while so that they can atleast have a bit more time.
January 17, 2007
(Crucible cont.)
Part Read:
2nd Part of Act Four
Quote:
DANFORTH: You baffle me, sir. Why have you returned here?
HALE: Why, it is simple. I come to do the Devil's work. I come to counsel Christians they should belie themselves. His sarcasm collapses. There is blood on my head! Can you not see the blood on my head!!
-Page131
Explanation:
I picked this quote because it really popped out to me. I was unsure of Hale's tone. I wasn't sure if he wanted to be sarcastic to say, "I come to do the Devil's work. I come to counsel Christians they should belie themselves" or when he said, "There is blood on my head! Can you not see the blood on my head!!" Either way, he still had a great affect on Danforth. Hale feels terrible because he thinks he is responsible for most of the hangings and John Proctor's. If I were him, I would feel the same way.
January 18, 2007
(Crucible cont.)
Part Read:
Finale of Act Four
Quote:
ELIZABETH, supporting herself against collapse, grips the bars of the window, and with a cry: He have his goodness now. God forbid I take it from him!
-Page 145
Explanation:
The ending to this book was sad. A lot of innocent people died because of this 'perverse manifestation of the panic' that the people of Salem felt. Including those poor, poor, innocent people that hanged were John Proctor and the Nurses'. And what makes me feel even more sick to my stomach is that this really happened. The people may not have been real, but this really did happen to people. I had never read a book like this, but it has helped me to understand what they will expect in HS. I feel bad for Elizabeth and her children, and Parris. But, I do not feel bad for Abigail, who later turned up as a prostitute in Boston. Besides the harsh reality of this play, it was a 'drama of emotional power and impact', like the New York Post acclaimed.
This is Mrs. Zana writing: Look back to your 1st entries about this play. You believed they were really evil witches! Look how easy it is for people to believe something. Did you know that the author wrote this play to compare what happened in Salem to something that was going on in the U.S. when he was writing?
BTW, do you really want to read Nietzsche next? That's college stuff. I've got some great books in the room that you would like. Try "Out of the Dust" or "Kira, Kira"
January 19, 2007
Book/ Author:
Why I Am So Wise/ Friedrich Nietzsche
Part Read:
Foreword
Quote:
(All of the pages in the Foreword)
Explanation:
I didn't pick a quote because, quite frankly, I didn't understand a single word he said. They were all metaphors, which I couldn't understand. Then he started talking about different people and I didn't know what was happening. Nietzsche writes wonderfully from what I have heard but I still don't get what he tries to say.
January 20, 2007
(Why I Am So Wise cont.)
Part Read:
Pages 8-12
Quote:
On this perfect day, when everything has become ripe and not only the grapes are growing brown, a ray of sunlight has fallen on to my life: I looked behind me , I looked before me, never have I seen so many and such good things together.
Explanation:
I picked this quote because it was so pretty and joyful for him. I guess it was his birthday, so he was remembering all the things he's done to this point of his life. It's a pretty was to express how he is feeling. Besides that, I did not get anything---that is why I am abandoning this book.
January 21, 2007
Book/ Author:
Loser/ Jerry Spinelli
Part Read:
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Confucianism
Introduction:
Confucianism: A Chinese philosophy that emphasizes proper behavior. This idea that when we all worked properly, society would be in peace was introduced by Confucius, an early Chinese thinker and Philosopher. He lived a life full of search of something better--- peace. He taught about personal and governmental morality, the five principal, social relationships, sincerity, and justice. His teachings influenced Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and Vietnamese society. His ethics were basic, but profound.
The Life of Confucius:
Confucius was born in Qufu, Lu in five-hundred-fifty-one BCE. He came from a poor, but noble family. As a child, he saw when his father died at the age of three. He experienced what it meant to be in poverty and he understood the harsh reality of politics.
Kong Fuzi, as called in Pinyin, saw suffering at a very early age. He saw how Lu, his state got into war. He saw how, shortly after his father's death, his mother passed away. Then, he saw how, after he got the priviledge of vbeing Justice Minister, the politics of his state were corrupted.
He left all he knew, and began a journey around the kingdoms of North-Central China. At the age of sixty-eight, he returned to Lu to transmit and teach his 'old wisdom' to his disciples. He had finished his journey in the search of answers. He passed away at the age of seventy-two.
Teachings of Confucianism:
A quote from the Analects of Confucius: "Learning without thought is labor lost; thought without learning is perilous." This is one of the thousands of teachings of Confucius. Confucius taught that people should think for themselves. During those difficult times, he wanted to set moral values. He taught about ethics, poltics, and humaness. One of his most famous teaching about ethics was this one: 'What you do not wish for yourself, do not do to others." His thought on polits were that, in order to govern others, one must first govern oneself and on humaness he believed that, loyalty and the understanding of the relationships were the most important.
On ethics, he taught about filial piety and his philosophies. Filial Piety is a certain devotion you give to both the living and the dead. You must give respect and obedience. Another concept it had was that, to live a good life, you must have strong family loyalty, you must worship your ancestors, respect your family, and believe that the family of one is the only basis for a good govern. Confucianism also taught that one's self-interest wasn't bad, yet doing what was right was better that pursuing our own ways. Empathy and the understanding of others was its moral system.
Confucianism's next big teaching was on politics, governing, and rites. Kong Qiu, another title for Confucius, argued that the best possible government there could be was the one that would rule through rites and morality, rather than force or bribery. He argued that honesty and the truth should always be told and that respect and help should always be given. Another value was the one found in the Analects, Book Two, Section Three, where it says that for any wise ruler to lead, he must put the people in their eightful place, then out of shame, they will all work in harmony. Another saying, as repeated before was that in order to govern over others, one must first govern over oneself.
Another central theme to Confucius' theory was that of relationships. He taught that for there to be peace in society, people would have to be in there social position, playing his or her part contributing to the will-being of the others. Like in the Anelects it says: 'There is government, when the prince is prince, and the minister is minister; when the father is father, and the son is son.' The most interesting thing about this was that there also had to be loyalty and obediance. On humaness he thought that for everyone to develop well, everyone would have to help by actions and attitudes that could teach.
Influence:
This considered religion had a great influence. The biggest impact it has had was on China. The actitude toward life, social values, political theories of this country have been molded by Confucianism. Its civilization has been taught about ethics, honor, social responsibility (of the family and political figures), ancestor worship, and its way of thinking. It also influenced Korean culture. Confucianism was one of the major religions there and it has made the Korean society unique. Besides influencing these major countries and their aspects, the Vietnamese and Japanese cultures have been changed.
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Conclusion:
Although it may not be as distinguished as one og the most popular religion, this ethical tradition called Confucianism is very close. Confucius taught to cultivate one among eachother morally, participate in the respect of the living and dead, show loyalty, cultivate humaity and sympathy. It ois a very appealing way of seeing life. Though we may not recognize it in us, we may have an ethical moral of this religion all in us. It may not be flashy, but if you want good morals, just learn about Confucianism.